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NSAID is an acronym for a class of drugs known as “Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs”. They include over the counter medications such as Aleve (Naproxen), Motrin, Advil (Ibuprofen) and Aspirin. NSAIDs suppress inflammation and reduce pain. They are widely used for symptomatic relief of headaches, joint pain and fever. While NSAIDs can be effective at reducing symptoms, they can have serious …

I recently came across a nutrition pyramid created by Eric Helms, PhD (Cand), a natural bodybuilder and PhD candidate, that succinctly summarizes what I would consider the foundations of how to optimize your nutrition for weight loss, weight gain, health and performance Energy balance/Calorie intake Energy balance is the foundation for weight gain, weight loss, performance and even longevity. How …

Whether you’re an athlete, stay at home mom, or work at a job that can lead to overuse injuries, rapid healing is desirable as it minimizes pain and quickly restores function. Rapid injury healing is an integrative approach that involves: Anti-inflammatory dietary and supplement interventions to minimize the negative effects of inflammation, while at the same time stimulating healing Targeted …

Palatable foods stimulate the brain to release addictive substances like opioids and dopamine in the limbic system (the emotional center in your brain). In addition, opioid and dopamine synapses in the limbic system may play important roles in the reinforcement of behavior by natural rewards, i.e. food Just like drug abuse can create dependency via this system, palatable …

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) was introduced in the 1950’s and is commonly prescribed for aches and pains or to reduce fevers. While considered fairly benign with respect to adverse reactions/side-effects by many doctors, there are some studies indicating that certain population are at risk for developing conditions such as ADHD, Asthma and Autism. ADHD Acetaminophen exposure in pregnancy increases the risk …

Background The global consensus regarding recommendations for carbohydrate and fat consumption is that carbohydrates should form the foundation of a healthy diet and that the best way to lose weight is by cutting back on calories, specifically from fat. Furthermore, it is generally believed that ketogenic/high fat diets may lead to the development of several diseases (e.g. Cardiovascular, metabolic and …

Scientists have proposed that inflammation is the forerunner of aging and central to the aging process, a phenomenon that has been described as “inflamm-aging”. Lin, L., et al (2016) looked at the association between certain hormones and aging, low grade adipose (fat) inflammation, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The Ghrelin Connection Ghrelin is a hormone that enhances appetite (orexigenic). …

In order to reduce pain, prevent injuries and enhance performance you need to have neuromuscular efficiency. Neuromuscular efficiency is the ability of the neuromuscular system to allow agonists, antagonists, synergists, and stabilizers to work synergistically to produce, reduce, and dynamically stabilize movement within the kinetic chain in all three planes of motion. In other words, the length and tension of …

Trigger points are taut palpable bands in or around muscles that can result in either local or referred pain. Latent (“silent”) trigger points tend to accumulate over a lifetime and appear to be the main cause of stiff joints and restricted range of motion. Active trigger points can cause: headaches, neck and jaw pain, low back pain, symptoms of carpal …

If you want to spice up your health, start in your kitchen. Herbs and spices not only pep up your meal, but many come with proven health benefits such as: Anti-inflammatory Antibacterial Antimicrobial Immune stimulating Cardiovascular Anticarcinogenic Blood sugar balancing Aiding in digestion Antiaging Most herbs and spices are also good sources of B-vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting phytonutrients (antioxidants). They …